'First Dog' Bites Reuters Reporter

The elections are over, but I still continue to remain an MSNBC addict, eagerly watching for any breaking news about our newly elected President, Barack Obama. This afternoon, I was actually watching to learn if there was anything newsworthy concerning the puppy which the family plans to adopt before moving into the White House after the inauguration. So I must say that the surprising news story I did see, was quite antithetical to an adoption story and rather shocking. It appears that when the Reuters reporter, Jon Decker reached out a hand in friendship to Barney, the first dog, a Scottish terrier belonging to President and Mrs. Bush, Barney was in no mood for friendship. He snapped at Jon's hand, biting his right index finger, breaking the skin, requiring some medical attention and a course of antibiotics prescribed by the President's personal physician. I sat there scratching my head wondering what had prompted the usually calm pooch to strike out in such an unforeseen manner. After watching the story and video, it seemed to me that Jon Decker's apparent lack of canine etiquette was responsible for Barney's reaction. He reached out too quickly with the back side of his hand, which may have appeared threatening to Barney. On the other hand, Barney may just be out of sorts with all the hectic activity around his environment. Sally McDonough, a spokeswoman for First lady Laura Bush, postulated about Barney's reaction, " I think it was his way of saying he was done with the paparazzi." Do you think that Jon was just a victim to an overwrought Scotty, or that he crossed the canine boundary line? After you watch the video uploaded to YouTube by kherman54, let us know what you think caused Barney to snap at Jon Decker by leaving a comment.